Editor’s Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com or use our newsroom email pbcnews@adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Friday, March 14
Reception set for Kevin Cole’s ‘Pushing Forward’ display
The ARTx3 Campus will host an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. March 14 for “Pushing Forward: Politics, Social Conflict, and the Racial Divide in the Art of Kevin Cole” at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The reception is open to the public and free. Cole’s “Pushing Forward” is a collection of the Pine Bluff native’s paintings, prints and sculptures developed throughout his career. “Cole’s works are imbued with symbolism that speaks to the weight of racial injustice,” according to the news release. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375 or artx3.org/exhibitions/kevin-cole-pushing-forward.
ASC plans Golden Hour: Bingo
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The ARTx3 Campus will host Golden Hour: Bingo from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 14 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The event is part of ARTx3’s Golden Hour programming of free events for ages 50 and older. Register by March 11 at artx3.org/all-events/golden-hour-bingo-march-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Beginning Friday, March 14
Knights plan fish fry Fridays
The Knights of Columbus annual Lenten Fish Fry is being held from 5-7 p.m. every Friday in March and the first two weeks of April at St. Joseph Catholic Church, West Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street. People can eat in for the all-you-can-eat dinner or get carry-out plates, according to a news release. Dinners for adults are $16 and $10 for children.
Through Friday, March 14
UAMS career program seeks locals
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is accepting applications for the 2025 session of the Arkansas Delta Health Careers Opportunity Program Academy, an initiative that supports students in the Delta and South Arkansas as they pursue careers in health care. The program is open to rising high school seniors. Applicants must be enrolled at a school in Arkansas, Ashley, Bradley, Calhoun, Chicot, Cleveland, Columbia, Crittenden, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Jefferson, Lee, Lincoln, Monroe, Ouachita, Phillips, Sevier, St. Francis and Union. The deadline to submit applications is March 14, according to a news release. For details, parents and students may attend one of HCOP Academy’s virtual informational sessions at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25 and March 4 and 11. To sign up for a session or to apply for the academy, visit partnerships.uams.edu.
Saturday, March 15
House of Bread to give away food
House of Bread Deliverance Church, 1501 W. Second Ave., will hold its monthly food giveaway Saturday, from 11 a.m. until all food boxes are gone. Proof of address must be at least the participant’s driver’s license, identification, or utility bills, according to a news release. Details: Saint Mary Harris, pastor/apostle of House of Bread, (870) 872-2196.
Black Family Wellness Expo set
The Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links Inc. will hold the third annual Black Family Wellness Expo from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 15 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s health, physical education and recreation complex. The event is free and open to everyone in the community. Some of the issues the expo will address include mental health awareness, kidney disease, heart health, organ donation, cancer prevention and screening, aging, suicide signs and prevention, substance abuse, entrepreneurship, tax preparation, home ownership, voter registration, and estate planning.
Women’s Self-Defense Class set
The ARTx3 Campus will host a women’s self-defense class from 11 a.m. to noon March 15 at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. “This empowering and practical program is designed to teach women essential self-defense techniques and strategies,” according to the news release. “Led by experienced instructors, this class focuses on building confidence, situational awareness, and physical skills to help participants feel prepared and secure in their everyday lives. Made for all fitness levels, ages 13 and older.” The cost is $5 minimum, $15 recommended. Register by March 11 at artx3.org/all-events/womens-self-defense or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or call the arts center.
Through Saturday, March 15
ASC to perform ‘Prometheus Bound’
The ARTx3 Campus will present “Prometheus Bound” on March 13-15 in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. “This innovative production reimagines the story of Prometheus — imprisoned for giving humanity the spark of life — as a reflection of the social injustices faced by Black men in America,” according to the mews release. “With themes of courage, resilience, and inequitable justice, this performance aims to create a poignant tribute to the ongoing struggles and triumphs of the communities of Black, Indigenous and People of Color.” Shows are March 13-15 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $13 for ARTx3 members, $18 for nonmembers and $10 for students when purchased in person with student identification. The promo code “BOUND” may be used online to purchase discount tickets for $7 plus $1.50 fee each. Purchase tickets at artx3.org/all-events/prometheus-bound, by calling (870) 536-3375, or in person before the show. The show is appropriate for ages 13 and older. Details: Bethany Gere at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
AGFC seeks interns
College students looking for hands-on experience in conservation have until March 15 to submit an application for a summer internship with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Internships are available for a broad range of academic majors, including forestry, wildlife management, fisheries management, environmental interpretation, environmental science, biological research and law enforcement, according to a news release. The deadline to apply is March 15. Details: www.agfc.com/jobs. Attach a current resume, one page cover letter and official college transcript to your application.
Foundation takes scholarship forms
Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation is accepting applications for scholarships for students in Jefferson County from Saturday through March 15. These scholarships are for area students pursuing higher education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, according to a news release. To see the available scholarships and to begin the application process, students may visit www.arcf.org/scholarships. For details, visit the website or contact Lawrence Fikes at pinebluffarea@arcf.org or (870) 850-7934. The deadline to apply is March 15.
Monday, March 17
City Wide Mission to meet
City Wide Mission will meet at 1 p.m. Monday at Stewart Memorial CME Church, 911 S. Maple St. The guest speaker will be La’Tonyalyn White of St. Peter’s Rock Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Fred Williams is pastor of Stewart Memorial.
Tuesday, March 18
Women’s Connection sets luncheon
The Christian Women’s Connection will host its luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 20 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. The special feature will be Timothy Wallace, an agent with the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service and spokesman with the Master Gardeners, according to a news release. The speaker will be Shellie Thill of Bella Vista. “In Shellie’s lovely, gentle way, she relates to her audience her interaction with her father in the last few months of his life,” according to the release. She was able to reconcile and help him seek salvation before the end of his life. The luncheon costs $20, which includes the meal, drink, dessert, tax, and gratuity. Everyone is invited to attend. For reservations or cancellations, call Jennifer Keahey at (870) 540-9302. All reservations must be made three days in advance and participants will be charged for reservations not kept.
DAV to host virtual career fair
DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and RecruitMilitary® will co-host the National Virtual Veterans Career Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 18. The event is free to veterans, their spouses, active duty military personnel and members of the National Guard and Reserve. More than 75 employers will be on-site. Veterans will also get career counseling and resume assistance, network with fellow veterans and military personnel, and get support with their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and claims assistance — all free. To register for the virtual veterans career fair and access additional resources, visit jobs.dav.org.
City to honor transit staff
National Transit Employee Appreciation Day will be held March 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The event will include resources about careers and family services. Refreshments will be served. Participants will include Pine Bluff Transit, Southeast Arkansas Transportation (SEAT), and the city of Pine Bluff, according to a flier. Details: Marolyn Farris, (870) 543-5130 or marolyn.farris@cityofpinebluff-ar.gov .
March Madness Wellness event set
Jefferson Regional Medical Center will host March Madness 2025 Wellness from 4- 7 p.m. March 18 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. There will be free health screenings including PSA blood test, diabetic testing, cholesterol testing, blood pressure checks, cancer screening, and urology education and product demonstrations, according to a flier. Urologists, Drs. Nathan Green, Nick Scherzer, and Jordan Hanberry, will also attend. Participants can watch the game/pre-game on a big screen TV. A $500 gift card grand prize will be sponsored by Hunter’s Refuge. Free wings and pizza will be served.
Wednesday, March 19
Pine Bluff Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Friday. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesday. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to Southeast Arkansas. Articles should be submitted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Thursday, March 20
Remembrance Day set at Graceland Cemetery
The city of Pine Bluff will host “Remembrance Day,” a special event dedicated to honoring the families the city served and the loved ones laid to rest during 2024. This inaugural event will take place at noon March 20 at Graceland Cemetery around the cross, according to a news release. “The ceremony will serve as a time of reflection and gratitude, recognizing those who have passed and expressing appreciation to the families who entrusted Graceland Cemetery as their final resting place.” Details: Chilton Blunt, cemetery director, (870) 543-5137.
Friday, March 21
Sigma Gamma Rho offers scholarships
The Alpha Chi Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. extended the deadline for its scholarship applications to March 21. The sorority is offering a scholarship to to one graduating student at Friendship, Pine Bluff High and Watson Chapel high schools. Applications are available at the counselor’s office at school. Applications must be postmarked by March 21. For details, email Mary Harvey-Evans at alphachisigma1945@gmail.com.
ARTx3 plans Kicks and Culture Sneaker Ball
The community is invited to celebrate the intersection of art, culture, and community with the Kicks and Culture Sneaker Ball fundraiser from 6-9 p.m. March 21 at the Loft Gallery in The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The ball celebrates urban sneaker culture. It features a pop-up exhibition by artist Aneesah showing mixed-media works featuring the footwear. The program is for ages 14 and older, according to the news release. Tickets are $10 for ARTx3 members and students, and $15 for nonmembers. Tickets and event details are available at artx3.org/all-events/sneaker-ball. Donations to the sneaker ball fund may also be made at artx3.org/donate. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org, or call (870) 536-3375.
Through Friday, March 21
Chamber seeks Expo award nominees
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2025 Business Person of the Year and Non-Profit of the Year awards. All nomination forms are due by March 21 at 5 p.m. The awards will be announced during the Business Expo Breakfast on May 1 at Pine Bluff Convention Center. For Expo questions, contact Chamber Director Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or (870) 535-0110 or visit the Chamber’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pinebluffchamber.
Wednesday, March 26
Housing board to meet
The Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will hold its board of commissioners meeting at 6 p.m. March 26 at the Colonial Steakhouse. Details: (870) 541-0706.
Beginning Thursday, March 27
Progressive Women set fundraiser
The Progressive Women’s Association of White Hall will hold its annual spring Rummage Sale Scholarship Fundraiser from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. March 27-29 at the White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Until then, they are accepting donated items from the public, which can be dropped off at the White Hall Museum, 9009 Dollarway Road. Each year, the spring sale signals the start of the PWA’s scholarship fundraising season, which includes a second rummage sale in the fall, a scholarship auction, and usually a raffle for handmade items. All the proceeds from these sales go into the PWA’s Scholarship Fund.
Through Thursday, March 27
Heritage grants available
Community-based non-profit groups interested in supporting the mission of Arkansas Heritage are encouraged to apply for Arkansas Heritage Grants. The spring deadline for submitting a proposal is March 27. For additional information and access to the online applications, visit ArkansasHeritage.com. The grants are designed to help groups promote awareness and enjoyment of Arkansas’ heritage; increase community-based non-profit groups’ ability to create heritage-related programs, especially in places where they would otherwise not occur; foster cooperative efforts among organizations, businesses and government to increase the size and scope of events; and create ongoing components to existing heritage-related celebrations, according to a news release. Details: Debra Fithen, grants manager for Arkansas Heritage, at debra.fithen@arkansas.gov.
Saturday, March 29
City plans Hidden Figures celebration
The city of Pine Bluff will present the 2025 Hidden Figures Women’s History Month Celebration at 6 p.m. March 29 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The city will honor outstanding women who deserve recognition for their efforts and influence. Details: Mar’Tavius Proctor, (870) 730-2185 or mproctor@cityofpinebluff-ar.gov.
Through Monday, March 31
Art league hosts landscape exhibits
The Pine Bluff Art League is hosting an exhibition depicting Landscapes & Abstracts in the East wing of the Donald Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., until March 31.
Nominations open for historic places
Preserve Arkansas is seeking nominations for the 2025 list of Arkansas’s Most Endangered Historic Places. The nomination deadline is March 31. Preserve Arkansas accepts nominations year-round, but those submitted after March 31 will be considered for the following year’s list, according to a news release. Nomination information, program guidelines, and an online nomination form may be found at PreserveArkansas.org. Details: (501) 372-4757 or info@preservearkansas.org.
LIHEAP applications available
Entergy Arkansas customers who need help paying their winter utility bills can apply for up to $475 in assistance through the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program’s regular assistance application period runs through the end of March, officials said, or until funds are expended while crisis assistance applications will be accepted through April 30. An online application is available for most Entergy Arkansas customers at www.getliheap.com, but applications can also be made in person at local community-based organizations.
Beginning Tuesday, April 1
Workforce youth program sets events
Be Pro Be Proud, a workforce development initiative led by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, announced dates and locations for the 2025 Draft Day Series. Be Pro Be Proud will travel to 11 locations across Arkansas, providing career exploration and interview opportunities to high school students by matching their interests and skill sets with relevant career options, according to a news release. Area events will be held: April 1: Grand Prairie Center, Stuttgart. April 3: Pine Bluff Convention Center, Pine Bluff. April 8: University of Arkansas at Hope/Texarkana, Hope. April 29: El Dorado Conference Center, El Dorado. For other dates and locations or details visit AR.BeProBeProud.org.
Through Tuesday, April 1
Black Hall of Fame grants available
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation, is providing funding opportunities for nonprofits that serve African American or underserved populations in Arkansas. Eligible nonprofits with programs focused on education, health and wellness, youth development, strengthening families and economic development are encouraged to apply, according to a news release. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, hospitals, public schools, and government agencies are eligible to apply now through April 1 at www.arcf.org/ABHOF. Organizations that do not qualify for tax-exempt status are not eligible.
Wednesday, April 2
JRMC CEO to speak at Chamber lunch
Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 2 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The guest speaker will be Brian Thomas, CEO of Jefferson Regional Medical Center, accompanied by a panel from Jefferson Regional Urology Associates. Lunch will be catered by Lybrand’s Bakery & Deli and will cost $15. Lunch must be paid in advance, according to the Chamber newsletter. RSVP to the Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
Chamber to honor women
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host the International Women’s Day Event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 2 in the Kline Family Foundation Gallery at ARTSpace on Main. The evening will feature hors d’oeuvres catered by Pine Bluff Country Club, beverages provided by MK Distributors Inc., and live music. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased by calling the Chamber at (870)535-0110 or emailing Jennifer Kline at Jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Through Friday, April 4
Trucking group offers scholarships
For the ninth year, the Arkansas Trucking Association plans to award scholarships of up to $7,500 to students interested in pursuing careers as medium- and heavy-duty truck technicians. Applications will be accepted through April 4 for students beginning coursework in August 2025 or January 2026. ATA plans to name the 2025 recipients in May. Details: Sarah Newman at sarahnewman@arkansastrucking.com. Find the application at https://www.arkansastrucking.com/scholarship/.
Saturday, April 5
Garden show set for White Hall
Delta Blooms & Bees Master Gardener Home & Garden Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 5 at White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Admission is free. There will be guest speakers, a plant sale, plant diagnosis, vendors and drawings for prizes. Proceeds will benefit area youth and community education programs. Jefferson County Master Gardeners will present the show, according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC/
Kids Fest plans underway
The Jefferson County Foster Care Coalition is inviting the community to be part of Jefferson County Kids Fest 2025, a free event for families from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at White Hall City Park. In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, this annual event raises awareness about foster care and child abuse prevention while bringing the community together for a day of activities, learning, and support. To host a free booth or become a sponsor, visit https://arfoster.care/kids-fest .
Beginning Saturday, April 5
Blues by Budweiser concerts set
The 2025 Blues by Budweiser concert series will be held at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members, according to a news release. The line-up includes: April 5 — Fonky Donkey; May 3 — The Arkadelics; June 7 — Chad Marshall Band; July 12 — Tina Cossey Band; Aug. 2 — Kent Burnside Band; Sept. 6 — Big Al & The Heavy Weights; Oct. 4 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
Tuesday, April 8
Health agency sets grand opening
ArchWell Health Pine Bluff, a primary care agency for adults 60 and older, will hold a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 8 at its location, 2801 S. Olive St., Suite 33. The community is invited to attend. There will be food, entertainment, prizes, and tours, according to a flier. Details: ArchWellHealth.com/get-started/
Beginning Wednesday, April 9
UAPB , ASC slate Color Purple: The Musical
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Theatre Program, in partnership with the ARTx3 Campus, will present The Color Purple: The Musical. The musical will begin at 7 p.m. April 9 at the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater of the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. In addition to public performances, ARTx3 Campus will host two special school performances on April 10. Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the musical is a UAPB John McLinn Ross Players production. The event will be led by UAPB’s new Instructor of Theatre, Taijee. The Color Purple: The Musical will be held at 7 p.m. April 9-12; 2 p.m. April 12; and 3 p.m. April 13. Tickets are available for purchase at tix.com/ticket-sales/ARTx3Campus/4544. Details: ARTx3’s theater and media assistant, Kayla Earnest, at kearnest@artx3.org.
Thursday, April 10
Air Force band ensemble to perform
The Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble of United States Air Force will perform several free Arkansas concerts. On April 10 at 7:30 p.m., the band will perform at the University of Arkansas at Monticello UAM Fine Arts Center in Monticello as part of UAM Jazz Week. All concerts are free and open to the public. Tickets are required. Request tickets and see dates, times and other locations for concerts at afbandtix.org. The show is approximately 75 minutes.
Through Friday, April 11
Knights host fish fry Fridays
The Knights of Columbus annual Lenten Fish Fry is being held from 5-7 p.m. every Friday in March and the first two weeks of April at St. Joseph Catholic Church, West Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street. People can eat in for the all-you-can-eat dinner or get carry-out plates, according to a news release. Dinners for adults are $16 and $10 for children.
Saturday, April 12
Behavioral center sets awards dinner
Southeast Arkansas Behavioral Healthcare System will present its first Mental Health Advocacy Awards Dinner at the Pine Bluff Country Club at 6 p.m. April 12. The program will honor leading mental health advocates from the five Arkansas counties served by SABHS, according to a news release. Honorees are Noel “Bud” Bryant, Kymara Seals, Judge B. Park Eldridge Jr., Britt Talent, Misti Douthit, Felicia Cobb. The dinner will be prepared by award-winning executive Chef Jamie McAfee and his staff. The gala is also planned as a recurring annual fundraiser, according to the release. Tickets are $100 each. Sponsorships are Gold, $5,000; Silver, $2,500; and Bronze, $1,000. Each level includes a designated number of tickets. Details: https://sabhs.org/m-dinner.html.
White Hall plans Easter Egg Hunt
White Hall Chamber of Commerce will host an Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. April 12 in White Hall City Park. It will be fun for all ages, according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallChamber/ The event will include games, prizes, bike giveaways, pictures with the Easter Bunny, and candy. The event is free.
Beginning Tuesday, April 15
WH school district sets art show
The White Hall School District Art Department will present: “The Earth without ART is Just EH,” a student artwork showcase, at the White Hall Community Center. Opening night will be held April 15 from 5-7 p.m. Art will be on display April 16-17 during the center’s business hours and closing at 2 p.m. April 17, according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC/ “Join us in celebrating the creativity and talent of our students! You will not want to miss this showcase,” a spokesman said.
Saturday, April 19
Sculpting event set
The ARTx3 Campus’ workshop, Sculpting with Angi Cooper — originally set for Saturday, — has been moved to April 19. The free mixed-media workshop will be held from 1-3 p.m. at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. Participants will learn how to create nature-inspired sculptures from materials such as cardboard. There is no cost to participate and all supplies are provided, according to a news release. Cooper is the ARTx3 Campus’ teaching artist-in-residence for February. To register, visit artx3.org/all-events/sculpting-with-angi-cooper or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Programs Director Shakeelah Rahmaan at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Through Wednesday, April 30
Art league hosts Reeves’ exhibit
The Pine Bluff Art League will hold a photography exhibition titled “The Art of Nature” by African American and PBAL artist Glenda Reeves at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The exhibition will remain on view through April 30.
Thursday, May 1
Chamber plans Business Expo 2025
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce invites participants to build their network at Business Expo 2025: America At Work, an event for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations. Business Expo will be held May 1 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Business Expo Breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. followed by the program at 8 a.m. Tickets are $25 each. A seated table for eight is $300, according to a news release. The trade show featuring various booths will open for the Business VIP Hour from 9-10 a.m. and then open to public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Booth fees are $250 for members and $360 for non-members. For non-profit organizations, there are limited free spots in the Community Spotlight section. For Expo questions, contact Chamber Director Jennifer Kine at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or (870) 535-0110 or visit the Chamber’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pinebluffchamber.